Marquette University Exhibit Brings to Light Topic of Solitary Confinement

Imagine being locked up in a room the size of a bathroom for 23 hours a day with no access to the outside world except mail and prison guards.

This is the life of someone in solitary confinement. This week, Marquette University's Campus Ministry and a faith-based organization known as “WISDOM” are bringing attention to this subject.

An exact replica of what life is like on the inside is now on display in the lobby of the school's library.

Program organizers want to point out, in their opinion, how inhumane and unjust this type of incarceration can be if it goes beyond a period of 15 days.

We did reach out to the Department of Corrections for a comment. It says the department “has been working on restrictive housing reform for several years, which has included adding programming and psychological staff. The Department remains focused on our mission of protecting the public, our staff and those in our charge.”

The solitary prison cell replica will be on display through Friday. If you want to spend 45 minutes alone in the confined area, you can call 414-841-2762 to reserve a space.

Marquette and WISDOM will convene a public forum on ending mass incarceration from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, at Marquette Hall. This is located on the 1100 block of W. Wisconsin Ave., next to Gesu Church.